Care Alliance Welcomes Health Select Committee’s Terms of Reference

Family First NZ is a member of the Care Alliance
Media Release Care Alliance 27 August 2015
The Care Alliance has welcomed the Health Select Committee’s terms of reference for considering a petition from the Voluntary Euthanasia Society.

Spokesperson Matthew Jansen says that the terms of reference will allow all New Zealanders to be involved in considering what society’s response should be to people who express a wish to end their lives. “We believe that the best compassionate response to a person experiencing physical, emotional or psychological suffering is to surround them with love and provide them with the best possible care. Legalising euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) would give exactly the wrong message to vulnerable people feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances.”

Mr Jansen said that the recent Research New Zealand poll1, which recorded a sharp drop in support for EAS following the Seales v Attorney-General case, showed that a more informed debate helps expose the practical problems with EAS. “The Select Committee can do all New Zealanders a great service by investigating the complex issues involved in suicide. We believe the evidence will show that EAS is both unnecessary and dangerous.”
ENDS